9 Things To Do In Ruwi, Oman - Updated 2024

Chloe
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 4 min read
Things to do in Ruwi

Ruwi is a commercial hub and business district of Muscat, but that doesn’t mean it’s not an exciting and intriguing place to explore. The whole place has an urban buzz to it and the hustle and bustle of the district can truly be something to see.

There’s also plenty of tours for you to embark upon in Ruwi, allowing you to explore the local area and some of its fascinating museums and architecture.

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1. Bait Al Zubair Museum

Bait al Zubair-Muscat
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Step used under CC BY 2.0

The Bait Al Zubair Museum showcases the vast cultural and socio-economic heritage of Oman. There’s an abundance of ancient artifacts that you can admire and learn about.

The museum also features a number of weapons and tools of ancient Omani, including many traditional weapons, household artifacts and a large collection of Khanjars. Three separate buildings divide this incredibly interesting museum; meaning you can see the main museum that showcases portraits of the current monarch, the garden that showcases beautiful features, plus many other ancient collections.

Bait Al Zubair Museum

Address: Bait Al Zubair Museum, Muscat 100, Oman

Website: Bait Al Zubair Museum

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2. Big Bus Muscat: Classic and Premium Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

Big Bus Muscat
Source: Get your guide

The Hop-On, Hop-Off Big Bus tour is truly a wonderful experience. It’s incredibly flexible and you can literally get on and off the bus as much as you’d like in order to explore the city.

You’ll have the chance to see the beautiful city’s ancient skyline, as well as many notable landmarks and historic sights. The tour also provides a personal recorded commentary that’s available in six languages, so you can truly get a feel for the history and culture that you’re seeing.

There’s plenty of stunning scenery to admire and a mountainous backdrop that will have you gazing in wonder. The bus tour covers many famous places including Sultan’s Al Alam Palace, the Royal Court and a concealed harbor, plus many more.

Big Bus Muscat: Classic and Premium Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

Price: From 75.44 USD per person

Website: Big Bus Muscat: Classic and Premium Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour

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3. Mutrah Souq

Muttrah (4)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andries Oudshoorn used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Mutrah Souq is one of the oldest markets in Oman and it is simply stunning. It’s absolutely huge so you’re sure to have an excellent time exploring all the different things that it has to offer.

Your senses will be tantalized by the abundance of fresh smells of frankincense, incense and Arabian perfumes. You’ll also find a plethora of handmade items including things like daggers, cloth, shoes and silverware. There’s also many different spices to discover; the Mutrah Souq will certainly have something to set your tastebuds on fire!

Mutrah Souq

Address: Muscat, Oman

Website: Mutrah Souq

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4. Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

Old Muscat (1)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andries Oudshoorn used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Sultan’s Armed Forces Museum is one of Muscat’s most fascinating museums as it’s home to many intriguing artifacts. Some of the artifacts that are part of its extensive collection include military uniforms, parachutes, medals and weaponry. There’s plenty to see at the museum and you can spend hours just marveling at all the wonderful collections.

There’s even an outdoor display of military boats, planes and helicopters which you can learn more about and discover plenty of exciting historical facts.

Sultan's Armed Forces Museum

Address: Al Mujamma St, Muscat, Oman

Website:

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5. Bait Al-Baranda Museum

Bait Al Baranda Museum-Naval battle
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ji-Elle used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Bait Al-Baranda Museum covers a wide range of topics including the history of Oman, the geology of the country as well as Oman’s military and political history. This museum is sure to provide you with plenty of Omani culture and will open your eyes to the ancient traditions of Oman.

There’s plenty of exhibits to see that include interactive screens, photos and videos that are sure to supply you with endless information. You can also find many art exhibitions that are on display seasonally so you’re sure to find something to suit everyone’s tastes at the Bait Al-Baranda Museum.

Bait Al-Baranda Museum

Address: Al Mina’a Street, Muscat, Oman

Website:

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6. PDO Planetarium Tours

Oil & Gas Exhibition Centre and Planetarium
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Juozas Šalna used under CC BY 2.0

The PDO Planetarium is a must-do when visiting Muscat as it is such an incredibly unique attraction that can be admired by both kids and adults. There’s plenty of shows to enjoy that are both highly informative and engaging and the captivating environment is an absolute joy to watch the many displays in.

PDO Planetarium Tours

Address: Al Amirat Observation Site | Al Jufaina, Muscat 113, Oman

Website: PDO Planetarium Tours

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7. Muscat Gate Museum Tours

Muscat, Oman
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andries Oudshoorn used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Muscat Gate Museum provides a separation between the old-walled city and the Corniche. The enormous gates are truly a sight to behold. You’ll discover plenty of history on your visit here and you’ll be able to explore a number of exhibits that will provide a greater insight into the Muscat Gate Museum. It’s a real vantage point in the city and one that you’re sure to love.

Muscat Gate Museum Tours

Address: Al Saidiya Street, Old Muscat, Oman

Website: Muscat Gate Museum Tours

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8. The Currency Museum of Oman

100 Baisa Oman reverso
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user http://www.bankno... used under CC BY 1.0

One of the largest collections of coins that has ever been in the county can be found at the Currency Museum of Oman. There’s so many different coins to see here, including the first Islamic silver Dirhams and many examples of foreign imperial currency.

Legal currency notes of the Indian Empire which were in circulation between 1927 and 1948 can also be found in the museum, so it’s clear to see that you can spend many hours exploring the vast collection of different currencies.

The Currency Museum of Oman

Address: 44 Al Markazi, Ruwi 112, Oman

Website: The Currency Museum of Oman

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9. Private Fascinating Fort Tour from Muscat

Nakhal Fort (2)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andries Oudshoorn used under CC BY-SA 2.0

This eight hour tour will have you exploring many intriguing sights including the seaside town of Barka, Nakhl Fortress and the hot water springs in Nakhl. You’ll also benefit from a picnic lunch where you can sit and admire all the wonderful surroundings.

There’s also ample photo opportunities during this tour so you’re sure to return home with a camera full of memories! The fascinating tour will supply you with plenty of culture and adventure.

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Countless cultural opportunities in Ruwi, Oman

With so many things to see and do in Ruwi, you can rest-assured that you’ll find something incredibly exciting to do during your time there. Explore the vast offerings of museums or try some of the local spices at Mutrah Souq.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hi! My name is Chloe and I'm a passionate writer about everything from beauty products to travelling! I run my own lifestyle blog which is full of life hacks, relationship anecdotes and travel...Read more

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